The targeting of selected Iranian nuclear scientists by Israel over several years was to encourage them to find a new form of employment, such as a college physics professor, but not as someone trying to create nuclear weapons and use them against Israel. Now we see this playing out again. “IDF kills Ali Shadmani, newly appointed Iranian Chief of Staff,” i24, 6-17-25. The IDF’s action continues to box in the Supreme Leader, as the new military chief had been on the job only four days.
This is the first time since the 1973 War that Israel is fighting against another country (not a terror group). And here the odds are in Israel’s favor.
Wow again. “The perceived weakening of Iran is creating conditions that could pave the way for Israeli-Saudi normalization. Riyadh appears to view Israeli military pressure on Iran as a strategic opportunity to undermine its main regional rival—while simultaneously holding firm on its demands regarding the Palestinian issue.” See “Arabic source to i24NEWS: “Israel’s actions in Iran promote relations with Saudi Arabia,” i24, 6-17-25.
A NYT reporter named Ms. Jakes has an article today, “As Israel targets Iran’s nuclear program, it has a secret one of its own,” NYT, 6-17-25. What is interesting is that she can’t make the case, though it is implied, of moral equivalence between Israel’s and Iran’s nuclear programs. Israel’s program, if it does include weapons, certainly has never been threatened for use, but only for self-defense. That is something the Regime cannot claim.
“Despite Close Ties With Iran, Russia Stands Aside as Israel Attacks,” NYT, 6-17-25.
“Iran Is Preparing Missiles for Possible Retaliatory Strikes on U.S. Bases, Officials Say,” NYT, 6-17-25.
“Israel hasn’t hit Iran’s secretive Fordo nuclear facility yet. Here’s why it might,” CBS, 6-17-25.
“IDF official: Iran’s goal was an 8,000-missile arsenal to annihilate Israel,” Israel National News, 6-17-25. They wanted to swamp Arrow, THAAD, etc.
As we are all noticing, there is little news / helpful information coming out of Iran in the past week, as the Regime finds itself overwhelmed by Israel, and because it is reluctant to admit miscalculation, defeats, strikes, etc. to its own population. So it is, I hate to say comical, to see this story from the Fars news agency (controlled by the IRGC). The IRGC doesn’t want to be cut in half like its Hezbollah fighters were. “Iran orders officials to ditch connected devices,” Politico, 6-17-25. BTW, I’ve only seen one news story about Pres. Pezeshkian. He is MIA in the news (but alive). This is a reminder that the Iranian president has few powers—everything is about the Great Ayatollah/Supreme Leader.
“Iran Is Preparing Missiles for Possible Retaliatory Strikes on U.S. Bases, Officials Say,” NYT, 6-17-25. There are currently 40,000 U.S. forces in the Middle East.
“US critical networks are prime targets for cyberattacks. They’re preparing for Iran to strike,” Politico, 6-17-25.